Warm Woolies Keeps on Knitting for Charity
When Warm Woolies first started, back in 2003, the goal was simple: Knit warm clothes for the bodies and hearts of Russian orphans. Since then, the charity grew to include orphans in other cold countries, as well as children right here in the United States.
Spreading the warmth
Since we last wrote about Warm Woolies, the organization grew like crazy! They came up short of their goal of 6000 knitted pieces for donation in 2007. However, by the end of 2008, the amount more than doubled. In addition to donating finished products to Russia, Mongolia, Kazakhstan and Afghanistan, they added U.S. reservations in Rosebud and Pine Ridge, South Dakota.
Charity knitters stepped forward embracing the needy children in all locations, donating more than 12,000 hand knit clothing items by the end of last year. The goal for 2009 is distribution of 10,000 pieces. To help with that, Warm Woolies has a special project going for 2009 -- "10 for 10 by 2010." The contest asks participants for donations of ten projects knit for children between the ages of 10 and 16.
Knit bigger, knit longer
While knitting clothing for younger children is easier and quicker because they are smaller, older and bigger children also get cold. So starting in January and running through November 30, 2009, knitters donating ten finished items win a prize (only one per knitter). In order to qualify, you must knit sweaters and pairs of socks for children aged 10 and over. Of that, at least three must be sweaters.
Catch all that? If not, visit the terms here. Warm Woolies has many free patterns on their site suggested for use, and they want to make sure the socks and sweaters are long enough and large enough for bigger children. Knit all the items from wool only: the thicker and bulkier, the better. Warmth is the main goal, not fashion.
Prizes for the "10 for 10 by 2010" contest include knitting-related items -- needles, yarn, patterns, etc. -- valued at $100. Warm Woolies has many generous suppliers who donate these items so that charity knitters can keep doing what they do. This wonderful, generous circle of support ends with children staying warm and cozy despite the cold.
Warm weather is a great time to catch up on cold-weather knitting. Why not download some patterns from Warm Woolies and break out some of that wool yarn stash? "10 for 10 by 2010" could use your help knitting for charity.
